Being born in the 1980s means you are probably familiar with the Disney films that were all undoubtedly a staple in the homes of families across America, as they are today. For a moment, think back to the classic Disney film "Pinocchio," and you will most likely find yourself recalling the tale of a boy who learned that whatever you wish for will come to you.
Sound familiar?
Well, how is it that in the year 2003 we can all remember the lyrics to the timeless classic "When You Wish Upon a Star" and realize that the lyrics were truly a false sense of hope?
As I reflect on the various challenges I have faced since college began, I realize there is no way I wished upon a star that I would someday end up at UB with student loans, a car loan, credit card debt and relationships that have gone wrong.
So I pose the question: Was I doomed for disillusionment, along with the rest of the youth of America, when I got to college and realized life wasn't all sunshines and rainbows?
It didn't take long for reality to set in and slap me right across the face, but it's as though we're all destined for disillusionment as soon as that first bill comes for tuition or the person that we thought was "the one" turned their back and broke your heart. If you ask me, "the college years" that are supposed to be the highlight of your life prove to be the first stages of a cynical life.
This isn't to say that life itself is meant to be lived in a disenchanted daze, but it does make you stop to think that life just isn't as easy as it's supposed to be.
One cannot solely blame one's disillusionment on a song from a Disney film that attempted to create a euphoric dreamland where dreams do come true. It is obvious that goals and dreams adapt throughout life, as one grows older.
I wanted to be a doctor at the age of 7 and carried that dream through my life until I got to UB, and only after I got here did I realize that there was no way I was going to make it in the medical field. If that isn't the classic case of disillusionment, I don't know what is. I tried two other majors before I finally settled into English, carving the niche for myself that I so desperately craved.
It wasn't as easy as the song said it would be, though. I had to lose an academic scholarship and take out student loans before I figured out what I was going to do. I only know what I am doing right now. I have no idea what is happening post-UB, but I have learned that there are some things that will just come to you when the timing is right.
Disillusionment also carries over into interactions with people. I met someone that I fell in love with, and just as I was sure she was "the one," things went sour in the relationship, and I had no choice but to admit that I was wrong and end it. It just seemed that time and time again, just as things felt right in my life and that I had achieved some sort of homeostatic balance, something went awry and I was forced to start from square one.
I've lost old friends, gained amazing new ones, failed exams, aced exams, fallen in love, fallen out of love, crashed my car, paid bills and racked up others. The cycle is never-ending.
With each disillusion "the college years" throw your way, there is always going to be some sort of recourse. For me, it was the questioning of my faith. What could I believe in with all of the things that had been going wrong in my life? The only thing I could believe in was that I was able to get through anything tossed my way with the help of good friends and caring family members.
As it is, though, you should not think everything is bad, as there are some sparks of hope here and there as you go through the tumultuous college years.
I recall the hit television series "The Wonder Years," in which it seemed as though everything were a utopian dream, but the one theme that prevailed is to hold onto what you've got. What I am referring to are, as you may have already guessed, friends. Not just acquaintances, but friends that know all there is to know about you. Kevin and Paul could do it on television, so why not have it happen in real life?
It's so much better to be disillusioned along with someone else. Then you don't have to feel as though you are the only one with peculiar dreams and high expectations. You won't be the only one appealing to the stars to grant all of your wishes.
You are free to agree or disagree with my premise that the college years are a disheartened time in the lives of students across the country, but do realize that I'm not the only one who has ever wished upon a star and been let down.
